Functional restoration for a chronic lumbar disk extrusion with associated radiculopathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effectiveness of functional restoration (FR) for patients with lumbar disk herniation with associated radiculopathy (LDHR) is unclear. This case report describes how an FR program was used to rehabilitate a patient with such an injury. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 26-year-old female child care worker with a 12-month history of back pain and a 4-month history of unremitting left leg symptoms. She had clinical and radiological evidence of an L5-S1 disk extrusion with associated left S1 radiculopathy. Interventions. The patient completed a 9-week FR program supervised by a physical therapist. Exercises then were continued more independently for a 2-year period at a public gymnasium. OUTCOMES: Following 9 weeks of supervised FR, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in symptoms and functional ability, and resolution of neurological signs. Fourteen months after commencing FR, a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated resolution of the L5-S1 disk extrusion and relief of S1 nerve root compression. Functional improvements continued and were maintained 2 years following the start of intervention. DISCUSSION: A patient with chronic LDHR who underwent FR made significant improvements. Research is needed to determine the efficacy of an FR approach for treating such patients.     

Lumbar extension exercises in conjunction with mechanical traction for the management of a patient with a lumbar herniated disc

ABSTRACT

Low back pain resulting from lumbar disc herniation is a common reason for referral for physical therapy. There is no evidence to support the management of lumbar disc herniation and derangement using mechanical traction combined with lumbar extension exercises. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to describe and discuss the use of mechanical traction in conjunction with lumbar extension exercises for a patient with a lumbar herniated disc. The patient was a 49-year-old male referred to physical therapy with a medical diagnosis of a lumbar herniated disc at L5-S1 with compression of the L5 nerve root confirmed by MRI. The patient's chief complaint was pain over the left lumbosacral and central lumbar region with radiating pain into the left buttock accompanied by numbness and tingling in the left lower leg and foot. The patient was seen for a total of 14 visits. The first 5 days (2 weeks) of therapy consisted of lumbar extension exercises. For the following nine visits (over a 3-week period), mechanical traction was added as an adjunct to the extension exercises. Outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Back Pain Function Scale (BPFS), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Results from initial evaluation to discharge (Oswestry: 36% to 0%; BPFS: 33/60 to 57/60; NPRS: 7/10 to 0/10) demonstrated that the patient no longer experienced low back pain and improved in terms of functional status and pain-related disability. The patient no longer complained of numbness and tingling in the left lower extremity and the goals for the patient had been attained. The data from this case report suggests lumbar extension exercises in conjunction with mechanical traction facilitated the patient's improvement in pain and return to prior level of function.     

Chiropractic management using Cox cervical flexion-distraction technique for a disk herniation with left foraminal narrowing in a 64-year-old man

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe chiropractic management of a patient with a C6/C7 left posteromedial disk herniation with foraminal narrowing and concomitant neurological compromise in the form of left upper extremity radiating pain and hypoesthesia/anesthesia using Cox flexion-distraction technique. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 64-year-old man presented to a chiropractic clinic with complaints of neck/left shoulder pain and hypoesthesia/anesthesia into the palmar side of his left hand. Magnetic resonance images of the cervical spine revealed a left posteromedial C6/C7 disk herniation along with foraminal narrowing. In addition, there were other levels of degeneration, most noted at the C3/C4 spinal level, which also had significant left-sided foraminal narrowing. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Treatment included Cox flexion-distraction protocols aimed to reduce nerve root compression along with supportive physiological therapeutic interventions to aid with pain reduction and functional improvement. The patient was treated a total of 10 times over a course of 4 weeks. The patient reported being pain-free and fully functional 8 months following the conclusion of care. CONCLUSION: This case study demonstrated the use of Cox flexion-distraction for treatment of a patient with a cervical disk herniation, foraminal narrowing, and associated radiating pain and radiculopathy in the left upper extremity.     

Clinical evaluation and treatment options for herniated lumbar disc

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc from a combination of factors can result in herniation, particularly at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels. The presence of pain, radiculopathy and other symptoms depends on the site and degree of herniation. A detailed history and careful physical examination, supplemented if necessary by magnetic resonance imaging, can differentiate a herniated lumbar disc from low back strain and other possible causes of similar symptoms. Most patients recover within four weeks of symptom onset. Many treatment modalities have been suggested for lumbar disc herniation, but studies often provide conflicting results. Initial screening for serious pathology and monitoring for the development of significant complications (such as neurologic defects, cauda equina syndrome or refractory pain) are essential in the management of lumbar disc herniation.     

Spontaneous regression of a large sequestered lumbar disc herniation: a case report and literature review

Lumbar disc herniation is a common disorder in adults that is accompanied by lower back and radicular pain. A 32-year-old man visited our clinic with 1-week history of persistent lower back pain and weakness in his right big toe. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of his lumbar spine revealed herniated discs at L3/L4, L5/S1 and L4/L5, where a right-sided intraspinal mass lesion deep to the L4 vertebral body was causing compression of the nerve root. The patient underwent conservative treatment and reported no symptoms referrable to his back or leg 4 months later. Follow-up MRI showed no herniation of the nucleus pulposus at the L4/L5 level or lesion deep to the vertebral body of L4, whereas no changes had occurred to the status of the herniated L3/L4 and L5/S1 discs. The present case and a literature review show that a sequestered lumbar disc herniation can regress within a relatively short timeframe without surgery. The authors emphasise the utility of conservative therapy for patients who do not have a definitive surgical indication.     

Tarlov cyst as a rare cause of S1 radiculopathy: A case report

A 37-year-old female physician presented with a chief complaint of left posterior thigh pain, which began insidiously approximately 4 months before her initial examination. Initially, she had been evaluated by her physician, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was ordered. The MRI scan was reported to be within normal limits, with the exception of minimal disc bulging at L4-5. She had received physical therapy with little benefit and was referred for physiatric assessment. Review of the patient's original MRI scan showed the presence of perineurial (Tarlov) cysts within the sacral canal at the level of S2, with compression of the adjacent nerve root. Subsequent electrodiagnostic testing showed axonal degeneration consistent with an S1 radiculopathy. Tarlov cysts can be a rare cause of lumbosacral radiculopathy and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of radicular leg pain.     

Use of Partial Body-Weight Support for Aggressive Return to Running After Lumbar Disk Herniation: A Case Report

Moore MN, Vandenakker-Albanese C, Hoffman MD. Use of partial body-weight support for aggressive return to running after lumbar disk herniation: a case report.This case report demonstrates the application of partial body-weight supported treadmill running in an aggressive rehabilitation program of an ultramarathon runner who had sustained a lumbar disk herniation. Body-weight supported exercise has recognized value during rehabilitation of lower-extremity injuries. In this case we found that the reductions in vertical loading forces achieved through partial body-weight support can also be valuable in the rehabilitation of an injury above the level of support. This motivated runner successfully used weight-supported treadmill training within 1 week of an acute lumbar disk herniation when he was experiencing considerable pain with unsupported walking and lower-extremity weakness. He continued its use until he adequately improved to allow return to his regular overground running program. This case demonstrates how partial body-weight support can allow aggressive running training early after a lumbar disk injury when normal impact forces cannot be tolerated and when leg weakness is a limitation.     

Incidental Diagnosis of Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation During Discography: A Case Report

▪ Abstract:   We describe an incidental finding of intradural lumbar disc herniation diagnosed radiographically during discography. A patient was referred to our center for discography with symptoms of worsening, intractable low back pain radiating to both hips and the left leg which was exacerbated when standing and walking. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed multiple disc bulges and lumbar facet arthroses with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy producing moderate central canal and lateral recess stenosis. Discography was performed at three levels (L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1). During fluoroscopically guided injection into L4-5 it was noted that contrast was not contained within the disc and spread intrathecally with a myelographic appearance. Computerized tomography confirmed accurate needle placement and a spread of contrast into the intrathecal space. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing a finding of intradural disc herniation while performing discography. Physicians should be aware of this potential finding while performing this technique. ▪     

Management of acute lumbar disk herniation initially presenting as mechanical low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical management with spinal manipulation of a male patient with risk factors for lumbar disk herniation initially suffering from what appeared to be mechanical low back pain that evolved into radiculopathy; also to review issues pertinent to chiropractic/manipulative management of disk herniation. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient initially suffered from unilateral low back pain and nonradicular/nonlancinating referral to the ipsilateral lower extremity. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Disk herniation-in-evolution was included in the differential diagnosis, which was discussed with the patient, who then gave verbal informed consent for manipulative management. A day or so after the initial manipulation the presentation evolved to include S1 radiculopathy. Computed tomography, just after onset of radiculopathy, confirmed the clinical diagnosis of lumbosacral disk herniation. The patient continued with manipulative management and repeat computed tomography examination after clinical resolution about 2 months later revealed reduction in size of the apparently clinically significant herniation. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for the development of disk herniation should be considered when assessing patients suffering from what appears to be mechanical low back pain. The role played by manipulation in the development of disk herniation in this case was believed to be circumstantial rather than causal. Manipulation was used in the treatment of this patient over a period of approximately 2 months; after this time, clinical and partial computed tomography imaging resolution was evident. Ongoing clinical (neurologic) evaluation of patients with manifest or suspected disk herniation is an important aspect of management. Good-quality trials of manipulation for patients with disk herniation are imperative for the chiropractic profession.     

Treatment of cervical radiculopathy with flexion distraction

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the nonsurgical treatment of a cervical disk herniation with flexion distraction manipulation. CLINICAL FEATURES: A case study of cervical disk syndrome with radicular symptoms is presented. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large C5-C6 disk herniation. Degenerative changes at the affected level were demonstrated on cervical spine plain film radiographs. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient received treatment in the form of flexion distraction manipulation and adjunctive therapies. A complete resolution of the patient's subjective complaints was achieved. CONCLUSION: Flexion distraction has been a technique associated with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine. Flexion distraction applied to the cervical spine might be an effective therapy in the treatment of cervical disk herniations. Although further controlled studies are needed, treatment of cervical disk syndromes with flexion distraction might be a viable form of conservative care.     

Lumbar intraspinal synovial cyst containing gas as a cause for low-back pain

OBJECTIVE: To discuss intraspinal synovial cysts caused by degenerative changes involving the posterior articular facets in the lumbar spine and to provide differential considerations for patients with low-back pain. Clinical Features: A 70-year-old man with low-back and gluteal pain demonstrating eventual progression of radiating pain into the left thigh, calf, ankle, and foot over a 5-month period. Radiographs of the lumbar spine revealed mild degenerative disk disease at L5-S1 with associated vacuum phenomena of the L5 disk. Degenerative osteophytes were present at L3, L4, and L5. Moderate posterior joint arthrosis was evident at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed an intraspinal gas-containing synovial cyst at the left lateral aspect of the central canal at the level of the left L4-L5 facet articulation. Intervention and Outcome: The patient underwent surgical excision of the synovial cyst with remission of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Gas-containing intraspinal synovial cysts can be a significant finding and a causative factor in patients with low-back pain and pain radiating into the lower extremities. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are important in defining intraspinal synovial cysts as a cause of back pain in patients whose low-back pain does not respond to chiropractic care.     

Irreversible spinal nerve injury from dorsal ramus radiofrequency neurotomy: a case report

Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of the medial branches of the dorsal rami is a successful method of treating facet joint pain. Documented serious complications are rare. We discuss the case of a 33-year-old woman with low back pain (LBP) who sustained a right L5 nerve root injury during RFN. The patient had several months of axial LBP after a motor vehicle collision. She had no relief after anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, L5-S1 interlaminar epidural corticosteroid injections, and a right sacroiliac joint injection. She then received bilateral L3 and L4 medial branch and bilateral L5 dorsal ramus blocks with excellent temporary pain relief. Subsequently she underwent bilateral L3 and L4 medial branch and bilateral L5 dorsal ramus RFN. Afterward, she noticed new right leg pain and paresthesias extending throughout the L5 dermatome. Electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging were normal and she was diagnosed with a right L5 sensory radiculopathy. The right leg symptoms were unresponsive to multiple medications. After a successful trial with a spinal cord stimulator, she underwent permanent stimulator placement. Afterward, she had 90% relief of her right leg pain and discontinued all analgesics. Irreversible injury of nontarget nerves is a possible complication of RFN, and can be avoided by following proper procedural protocol.     

Acute brachial plexus neuritis: an uncommon cause of shoulder pain

Patients with acute brachial plexus neuritis are often misdiagnosed as having cervical radiculopathy. Acute brachial plexus neuritis is an uncommon disorder characterized by severe shoulder and upper arm pain followed by marked upper arm weakness. The temporal profile of pain preceding weakness is important in establishing a prompt diagnosis and differentiating acute brachial plexus neuritis from cervical radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder and upper arm musculature may reveal denervation within days, allowing prompt diagnosis. Electromyography, conducted three to four weeks after the onset of symptoms, can localize the lesion and help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes analgesics and physical therapy, with resolution of symptoms usually occurring in three to four months. Patients with cervical radiculopathy present with simultaneous pain and neurologic deficits that fit a nerve root pattern. This differentiation is important to avoid unnecessary surgery for cervical spondylotic changes in a patient with a plexitis.     

A ganglion cyst causing lumbar radiculopathy in a baseball pitcher: a case report

This report describes a case of a professional baseball pitcher who developed acute left lumbar radicular symptoms after a baseball game and was subsequently sidelined for the rest of the season. Physical examination revealed depressed reflexes in the left posterior tibialis and left medial hamstring muscles, mild weakness in the left extensor hallucis longus, and positive dural tension signs. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an ovoid mass at the L4-L5 level, causing compression of the dura. Surgical resection of the mass resulted in resolution of his symptoms. Pathology revealed that the mass was a ganglion cyst. A ganglion cyst is a rare cause of lumbar radiculopathy and should be considered in the differential diagnosis if a patient with lumbar radiculopathy fails to respond to conservative treatment.     

Management of a female with chronic sciatica and low back pain: A case report

This case report describes therapeutic exercise management for a female with a chief complaint of right sciatica and secondary low back pain (LBP). The patient was a 61-year old female with chronic right sciatica and LBP. At initial examination she reported pain at 9 on a scale of 10, with 10 being the most severe, demonstrated a straight leg raise (SLR) limited to 45°, and a positive Ober's test. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was 40%. The first six weeks (five visits) the patient was instructed in stabilization and spinal flexion exercises. After noting limited improvement, the intervention plan was revised for 13 additional weeks (10 visits) to include the following exercises to reposition and stabilize the pelvis: muscle activation of the left hamstrings, adductors, gluteus medius, abdominals, and right gluteus maximus; stretching the left posterior hip capsule; and muscle inhibition for the paraspinals. After five visits (six weeks), the patient reported 6/10 pain and leg pain. At discharge, patient reported 0/10 pain, SLR was 70°, the Ober's test was negative, and the Oswestry Disability Index was 0%. Stabilization and flexion exercises resulted in limited outcomes and did not eliminate the right sciatica symptoms. The addition of muscle activation, muscle inhibition, and a left hip capsule flexibility exercises resulted in remarkable outcomes and appears to be beneficial for eliminating pain and improving function for this woman with chronic right sciatica/LBP.     

Intraneural ganglion cyst of the lumbosacral plexus mimicking L5 radiculopathy: A case report

BACKGROUNDIntraneural ganglion cysts are benign gelatinous masses that form within the epineurium of a peripheral nerve. Only few cases of intraneural ganglion cyst arising from the hip joint have been reported. CASE SUMMARYA previously healthy 65-year-old woman who had been experiencing left buttock pain radiating to the dorsum of the foot for 2 years visited our clinic. Prior to visiting the clinic, she underwent lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging and received physiotherapy, pain killers, and epidural injections based on a presumptive diagnosis of spinal stenosis for 2 years in other hospitals. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging revealed joint connection of the articular branch of the hip joint and rostral extension of the cyst along the L5 spinal nerve near the L5-S1 neural foramen. The patient was diagnosed with intraneural ganglion cyst arising from the articular branch of the hip joint based on high-resolution magnetic resonance neurography. Using the arthroscopic approach, a cystic opening within the intra-articular space was detected, and cyst decompression was then performed. The pain in the left leg was significantly relieved during the 6-mo follow-up. CONCLUSIONAlthough intraneural ganglion cysts arising from the hip joint are rare, they can cause typical radicular pain and mimic common L5 radiculopathy. Typical cyst ascent phenomenon starting from the termination of the articular branch on magnetic resonance imaging is a crucial finding indicative of intraneural ganglion cysts arising from the hip joint.     

Diagnosis of intermittent vascular claudication in a patient with a diagnosis of sciatica.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the importance of medical screening to rule out medical problems that may mimic musculoskeletal symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report describes a woman who was referred with a diagnosis of sciatica but who had signs and symptoms consistent with vascular stenosis. The patient complained of bilateral lower-extremity weakness with her pain intensity at a minimal level in the region of the left sacroiliac joint and left buttock. She also reported numbness in her left leg after walking, sensations of cold and then heat during walking, and cramps in her right calf muscle. She did not report any leg pain. A medical screening questionnaire revealed an extensive family history of heart disease. Examination of the lumbar spine and nervous system was negative. A diminished dorsalis pedis pulse was noted on the left side. Stationary cycling in lumbar flexion reproduced the patient's complaints of lower-extremity weakness and temporarily abolished her dorsalis pedis pulse on the left side. OUTCOMES: She was referred back to her physician with a request to rule out vascular disease. The patient was subsequently diagnosed, by a vascular specialist, with a "high-grade circumferential stenosis of the distal-most aorta at its bifurcation." DISCUSSION: This case report points out the importance of a thorough history, a medical screening questionnaire, and a comprehensive examination during the evaluation process to rule out medical problems that might mimic musculoskeletal symptoms.     

Sciatic neuropathy secondary to a uterine fibroid: a case report

Lesions of the sciatic nerve outside the pelvis have been well described. Lesions within the pelvis, however, are far less common. We report the case of a 55-yr-old woman with a history of chronic low back pain who presented with progressive right buttock and posterolateral right lower limb pain associated with right foot numbness and tingling. She denied any associated low back or left lower limb pain. The patient was initially treated for a probable right lumbosacral radiculopathy, without improvement. A subsequent magnetic resonance image of the lumbosacral spine revealed multilevel disc degeneration at L3-4 through L5-S1, without disc herniation or canal stenosis. A magnetic resonance image of the pelvis revealed a markedly enlarged uterus, with a large pedunculated myoma impinging on the right sciatic foramen. The patient underwent a subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, with resolution of her right lower limb pain. This case illustrates the importance of considering intrapelvic causes of sciatic neuropathy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of sciatic neuropathy secondary to a uterine fibroid.     

Thoracic disk herniation presenting as abdominal and pelvic pain: a case report

We report the case of a young woman who presented with a 2-month history of severe abdominal and pelvic pain. The past history was significant for a fall from a bicycle 1 week before the onset of her pain. Physical examination was remarkable for periumbilical tenderness. Work-up including pelvic sonogram and diagnostic laparoscopy suggested endomyometritis. The pain was minimally relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotic analgesics. Thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large disk herniation at the T9-10 level compressing the spinal cord. The patient subsequently underwent T9-10 diskectomy and laminectomy with dramatic relief of her symptoms. Postoperative rehabilitation hastened her functional improvement. This is a rare case of symptomatic thoracic disk herniation after trauma presenting as abdominal and pelvic pain. Physicians should be aware of this unusual presentation of thoracic disk herniation to avoid invasive diagnostic procedures.     

Regression of lumbar disc herniation with non-surgical treatment: a case report

To date, only a few reports have described the regression of lumbar disc herniation, which may be because of a failure to follow up patients treated conservatively. We report a case of a 25-year-old man who presented with a 2-month history of pain and soreness owing to lumbar disc herniation. He was managed conservatively, and his presenting symptoms and scoliosis gradually decreased over approximately 5 months. Two years later, he returned unexpectedly and was advised to undergo magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed regression of the disc herniation; the patient also confirmed that the pain had not recurred. After 8 months, he underwent repeat magnetic resonance imaging, and the findings pertaining to disc herniation were normal. Our findings suggest that previous cases should be retrospectively studied to establish a prediction model for the outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with lumbar disc herniation. We also emphasize the significance of selecting suitable patients for conservative treatment to obtain the best therapeutic outcomes. The CARE guidelines have been followed in the reporting of this case.